Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Black Eyed Peas, Shakira and Alicia Keys will be among scores of music stars performing at a concert on the eve of the soccer World Cup in South Africa, organisers said on Wednesday. The concert in South Africa’s biggest black township Soweto will be on June 10, a day before the start of the month-long World Cup, which is being hosted for the first time in Africa.

The concert in the 30,000-capacity stadium will be broadcast live to millions of people across the world.“We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. It is testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music, and will start the competition off on the right note—of celebration,” FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said in a statement. Among other performers at the concert will be African musicians including Benin-born diva Angelique Kidjo, Amadou and Mariam from Mali, South African group the Parlotones and Tuareg desert blues band Tinariwen.Net proceeds from the concert will go to 20 Centres for 2010, FIFA’s official social campaign for the World Cup-aimed at achieving positive change in Africa through football.

The reality star filed for a legal separation from her husband of just over a year, on Tuesday, according to court papers obtained by Access Hollywood.Montag filed the papers in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.Pratt has 30 days to file a response (from when he is served) to Montag's petition for separation.

Interestingly, just a few days ago, Montag appeared to engage in a Twitter battle with her estranged husband,"I can't believe Heidi hacked into my Twitter and made you think I like the Shannon Twins. Those bad influences are Heidi's friends, not mine," he Tweeted.Montag replied with: "@spencerpratt - Get over it! @karissashannon1 & @Kristinashn1 are way cooler than you are!"

The filing comes just days after Montag reportedly moved out of the home she shared with her husband, whom she married in an elaborate Pasadena church wedding, taped for "The Hills" in April 2009.

"Heidi appreciates all the support and concern, we hope everyone will respect their privacy during this difficult time," Heidi's rep previously told AccessHollywood.com following initial reports of the couple's split.Montag is now reportedly living in Malibu with her friend, Jennifer Bunney. The two are reportedly filming their time as housemates for an upcoming reality show.Heidi Montag Hot Sexy and Beautiful Wallpapers

Lady Gaga--who famously revealed to Barbara Walters in her 2009 "Most Interesting People" interview that she herself is bisexual, and whose hit "Poker Face" dealt with that topic--has long been an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community. She's appeared on the cover of Out magazine, marched for gay rights in D.C., received a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Musical Artist, and headlined/hosted a benefit concert for marriage equality, among other activist activities. When she picked up her VMA moonman at last year's MTV Video Music Awards, she even proudly held it aloft and declared, "This is for God and the gays!" But she has never addressed gay issues as directly or politically in a video as she does in her compelling new clip, "Alejandro."

In her outlandish past videos, Gaga has appeared in a futuristic wheelchair, pranced around a fiery bathhouse, and embarked on a "Thelma-&-Louise"-style road trip with Beyoncé, but in the just-premiered "Alejandro," she is uncharacteristically serious. The classy black-and-white clip, lensed by high-fashion photographer/Madonna collaborator Steven Klein, is a seven-minute "celebration of my love and appreciation for the gay community, my admiration of their bravery, their love for one another, and their courage in relationships," according to Gaga's June 1 interview with CNN's Larry King, during which she premiered a short teaser of the "Alejandro" video.Lady Gaga - Alejandro Video
Of course, now that the full "Alejandro" is out, we can all see that it's not a blatant political PSA--as with all Gaga videos, it's a piece of performance art, open to interpretation. But the video's vaguely "Rhythm Nation"-reminiscent vibe, not to mention what Gaga described to King as its "homoerotic military theme," could be construed as a creative critique of the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. And the video's wardrobe of nun's habits and other religious imagery could be viewed as references to the Catholic Church's demonization of homosexuality.

The Catholic imagery in particular is reminiscent of works by Gaga's obvious predecessor, the aforementioned Madonna, another pop female whose conflicted feelings about religion have been explored in her own videos such as "Oh Father" and the banned "Like a Prayer." As Gaga told King: "I struggle with my feelings about the Church in particular....in terms of religion, I'm very religious. I was raised Catholic. I believe in Jesus. I believe in God. I'm very spiritual. I pray very much. But at the same time, there is no one religion that doesn't hate or speak against or be prejudiced against another racial group or religious group, or sexual group. For that, I think religion is also bogus. So I suppose you could say I'm a quite religious woman that is very confused about religion. And I dream and envision a future where we have a more peaceful religion or a more peaceful world, a more peaceful state of mind for the younger generation. And that's what I dream for."

At the very least, the "Alejandro" video is a thank-you gift to Gaga's large and devoted LGBT fanbase, the affectionately nicknamed "Little Monsters" who have helped make her the biggest female pop star on the planet. "The gay community...has been the most enormous blessing of my life, that I have them and their support and the way that they truly understand me and support me," Gaga told King. "My admiration for the gay community comes from an incredibly steadfast and joyful courage and very bravery that they have for one another, for their community. To be gay and to live openly in this society is something that requires a tremendous amount of strength and steadfastness....I celebrate their culture and their union and who they are, in my music, and in my fashion, and in my work, every day. And I will forever."

Of course, "Alejandro" is controversial and polarizing--no Gaga video would be complete without a little shock value--but by Gaga standards, this video is actually almost downright tame, and this time, she isn't dancing with cans of Miracle Whip or disco sticks or hats fashioned out of princess phones. This time, there seems to be a message behind Gaga's madness. Will people listen to what she has to say? Regardless, this is yet another Lady Gaga video that will be impossible to ignore.Lady Gaga's Hot Sexy and Beautiful Wallpapers

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Sandra Bullock walked away with a host of accolades over the weekend as she reentered public life following her estranged husband, Jesse James', infidelity scandal -- and now her career appears to be back on track too.

Access Hollywood has learned that Sandra is attached to "Most Wanted," an upcoming action film, which will pair her up again with her "The Proposal" co-star, Ryan Reynolds.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film would star Sandra as a woman on the run with an agent who is looking after her. Ryan would play the agent.

Universal Pictures acquired the pitch for the film from writer Pete Chiarelli, who also penned "The Proposal," a rep at the studio told Access. Another "Proposal" vet, Anne Fletcher, is in talks to direct the stars again.

The project will be produced by Mandeville Films' Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman. Additionally, Ryan and Jonathon Komack-Martin will executive produce the project through their Dark Trick Films banner.

Although most recently she scored an Oscar for her work in "The Blind Side," and has been known as a romantic comedy vet over the years, Sandra has been in a host of popular action films including her breakout project - "Speed" opposite Keanu Reeves in 1994. Sandra Bullock Hot Sexy and Beautiful Wallpapers

Monday, June 7, 2010

This is one situation in which we can state the following with confidence: Kristen Stewart definitely was not smiling.

The actress took a lot of flak last week over a quote in the June issue of Elle in which she compared the experience of paparazzi-style photography to being raped. On Friday, speaking exclusively to People, she said she was sorry.

"People thinking that I'm insensitive about this subject rips my guts out. I made a big mistake," said Stewart, who has done PSAs against sexual violence for RAINN and Security on Campus. RAINN, which was among the groups that condemned her comment, said Friday that it appreciated her apology.

"I'm really sorry about my choice of words," the 20-year-old told People, noting that "violated" would have been a better pick.

Most popularly known for her work as Bella in the "Twilight" films, "The Runaways" actress will be seen next in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" and "K-11," and has "On the Road," among other films, on tap for 2011.Kristen Stewart Hot Pictures.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Who knew that "High School Musical" cutie Vanessa Hudgens was so handy with a pair of shears? Stealing the spotlight from style luminaries such as Jennifer Aniston and Emily Blunt at Tuesday night's Crystal + Lucy Awards in LA, Hudgens rocked a stunning MaxMara gown with a few alterations she'd performed all by herself,

What inspired the DIY job? "It was too formal, so to make it more of a cocktail dress I chopped the slip," Hudgens explained to InStyle when asked about her sexy, leg-baring look. Turns out the "Beastly" star, who has lent her name to the funky Ecko Red streetwear line in the past, is a long-time secret seamstress. "My stylist and I always end up reworking dresses," confessed Hudgens, adding, "I like to have fun with fashion."

We'd love to know if MaxMara approved of Hudgens' reinvention of their classic black gown, but whatever the case, in doing so, the young star found herself at the forefront of a new style trend that's sweeping through Hollywood -- glamorous mini dresses with diaphanous, draped skirts. Kristen Stewart first sported the look at the Costume Institute Gala in May, and though her daring, sheer Chanel Haute Couture gown divided the fashion community, we see it as the style-savvy star merely showing how fashion-forward she is.

Tuesday also saw Liv Tyler and Courtney Love rocking similar sheer frocks at a Givenchy-hosted event at the MoMA in New York. Both stars wore dramatic, floor-length black gowns designed by Givenchy's creative director Riccardo Tisci. Tyler, a former model, showed off her famous pins in a halter-style number, while troubled rocker Love paired her belted Givenchy gown with a spectacular statement necklace and wavy, blunt bangs.

The gothic-style gown is not for the faint-hearted. It takes a serious fashionista to pull off the daring style without looking tacky or chintzy ,especially when you're snipping hemlines yourself! We think all four ladies rock the look. Question is: who wore it best?

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Liv Rundgren Tyler (born July 1, 1977) is an American actress and model. She is the daughter of Aerosmith's lead singer, Steven Tyler, and Bebe Buell, model and singer. Tyler began a career in modeling at the age of 14, but after less than a year she decided to focus on acting. She made her film debut in the 1994 film Silent Fall. She then appeared in supporting roles in Empire Records (1995), Heavy (1996), and That Thing You Do! (1996). Tyler later achieved critical recognition in the leading role Stealing Beauty (1996). She followed this by starring in supporting roles including Inventing the Abbotts (1997) and Cookie's Fortune (1999).

Tyler achieved international recognition as a result of her portrayal of Elf maiden Arwen Undómiel in the The Lord of the Rings films. She has appeared in an eclectic range of films, including the 2004 comedy Jersey Girl, the indie film Lonesome Jim (2005), the drama Reign Over Me (2007) and big-budget studio films such as Armageddon (1998), The Strangers (2008) and The Incredible Hulk (2008).

Since 2003, Tyler has served as a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador for the United States, and as a spokesperson for Givenchy's line of perfume and cosmetics. Tyler married musician Royston Langdon of the band Spacehog in 2003; they have one son, Milo, born December 14, 2004. The couple announced their separation in May 2008.

Early lifeTyler was born Liv Rundgren at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, New York. She is the first-born daughter of Bebe Buell, a model, singer, and former Playboy Playmate (Miss November 1974), and Steven Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith. Her mother named her after Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann after seeing Ullmann on the cover of the March 5, 1977, issue of TV Guide. She has three half-siblings: Mia Tyler (born 1978), Chelsea Anna Tallarico (born 1989), and Taj Monroe Tallarico (born 1992). Her maternal grandmother, Dorothea Johnson, founded the Protocol School of Washington.

At birth, Buell claimed that rock star Todd Rundgren was Tyler's biological father. Tyler discovered her true parentage at age nine. She discovered that she was Steven Tyler's daughter after meeting him and noticing a resemblance she shared with his other daughter, Mia. When she asked her mother about the similarity, the secret was revealed. The truth about Tyler's paternity did not become public until five years later, in 1991, when she changed her name from Rundgren to Tyler, but kept the former as a middle name. Buell's alleged reason for the initial decision was that Steven was too heavily addicted to drugs at the time of her birth. Since learning the truth about her paternity, Liv and Steven have developed a close relationship. They have also worked together professionally, once when she appeared in Aerosmith's music video for "Crazy" in 1993 and again when Aerosmith performed many of the songs in the film Armageddon (1998), in which Tyler starred.

Tyler attended the Congressional School of Virginia, Breakwater School and Waynflete School in Portland, Maine, before returning to New York City with her mother at the age of 12. She went to York Preparatory in New York City for junior high and high school, after her mother researched the school to accommodate Tyler's attention-deficit disorder. She graduated in 1995 and left to continue her acting career. When asked about the way she spent her early life, Tyler said: "For me, I didn’t get much of a childhood in my teen years because I’ve been working since I was 14. But that also kept me out of trouble. When everybody was doing acid and partying like crazy, I was at work on a movie in Tuscany ... having my own fun, of course, but it was a different kind of thing. I have no regrets. I love the way my life has gone."

Personal lifeTyler dated actor Joaquin Phoenix from 1995 to November 1998;[68] the couple met on the set of Inventing the Abbotts. In 1998, she began dating British musician Royston Langdon of the band Spacehog. Tyler and Langdon became engaged in February 2001, and married in Barbados on March 25, 2003. On December 14, 2004, she gave birth to a son, Milo William Langdon. On May 8, 2008, the couple confirmed through representatives that they would be separating but remain friends. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Tyler revealed that her separation from Langdon led her to move to Los Angeles, explaining that it was hard to be in the New York home they shared. In June 2010, Tyler stated she was "far too sensitive" for casual dates, adding "I fall in love once in a blue moon."

Tyler is an active supporter of the charitable United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). She was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United States in 2003. In November 2004, she hosted the lighting of the UNICEF Snowflake in New York City. Tyler also served as spokesperson for the 2004 Givenchy Mother's Day promotion, in support of UNICEF's Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) campaign.

Since 2004, she has donated to the Women's Cancer Research Fund to support innovative research, education, and outreach directed at the development of more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women's cancers. In October 2007, Tyler, along with her mother, Bebe Buell and her grandmother, Dorothea Johnson, helped launch the Emergen-C Pink energy drink, in which the event was in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

She is good friends with designer Stella McCartney, model Helena Christensen and actresses Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow. Tyler was formerly a vegan, but has since begun to eat meat. In 2003, she became the spokesperson for Givenchy perfume and cosmetics; in 2005 the brand named a rose after her, which was used in one of its fragrances. In 2009, Tyler signed on for two more years as Givenchy spokesperson.Liv Tyler Hot Sexy and Beautiful Wallpapers